MARS (Men Against Rape and Sexual Assault)

Men Against Rape and Sexual Assault (MARS) is a student organization which began in the 2001-2002 school to address rape as a men's issue. We are a group of men from many different areas of campus life who share a common belief. We know that violence against women, specifically sexual violence, has negative implications for all of society regardless of gender. We also know that sexual violence against women is also a men’s issue. Our main goals are to educate men on the seriousness of the issue, and inform them of ways to prevent it.

Our mission is to give informative, discussion-based presentations to better educate our male peers about the realities of sexual assault. Through peer-education, we confront sexual assault issues by addressing the moral and ethical choices that an individual makes when engaging in sexual activity. The MARS program teaches our male peers the importance of consent and the responsibilities that each sexual partner has to the other. In addition, MARS provides suggestions of how to clearly and definitively gain consent when there is the possibility of sexual activity.

Through MARS, our male peers learn that sexual assault occurs when the perpetrator takes away his partner’s freedom of choice, without regard for his partner’s wants or desires. In addition, we present statistical information about the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses to promote general sexual assault awareness.

Student Wellness

The Office of Student Wellness provides educational resources and services that promote the health and wellness of Miami students. Our staff of professionals and peer educators work to raise awareness, coordinate programming initiatives, and influence policy that results in healthy choices.